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10 Tips on Becoming a Locavore

  • Susan
  • August 17, 2009
Marylebone Farmers' market

When I first heard the term “locavore,”I thought it was an ancient species of dinosaur.  But that was then … and this is now.  Since that time, I’ve become very familiar with the locavore movement, which promotes sustainability and helps reduce our carbon footprint.  Plus, it’s good for you!

So what is a locavore?  Simply put, it is someone who strives to obtain and eat all or most of their food from their local area.  Eating food that is produced and grown in your own region is fresher, healthier and more beneficial to the environment and local economy than bringing it in from elsewhere.

How do you become a locavore?  It’s not as difficult as it seems, since the movement to eat locally is becoming more prevalent in many areas of the United States.  You can shop in almost any supermarket and find a selection of produce from area farms.   To help guide you through the process, here are some timely tips:

1. Ask yourself why you want to become a locavore. You should want to eat healthier, support your local economy, and preserve the environment. Locally grown foods are “greener”, since less energy is required for shipping, handling and packaging.  Produce is also picked at the height of ripeness and typically contains no artificial preservatives, so it is better for you.

2. Decide what “local”means to you. Is it 10 miles, 100 miles of 500 miles?   Where you live will determine how far your locality extends.  You may want to make exceptions for foods that are not native or local to your area.  For example, you won’t be able to get bananas, pineapples or oranges locally if you live in Vermont.

3. Scope out your local farmers markets and roadside stands. This is where you can expand your food horizons by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables that you might not have eaten before.  This is also an opportunity to become familiar with the growers and seller, asking about their food and how it was raised. You may even get some cooking ideas.

4. Look for local butcher shops.  Full-service meat and seafood stores are making a comeback, and this is where you may be able to find locally raised meats, poultry and seafood.

5. Know the difference between foods that are local and foods that are organic.  They are not interchangeable, although many foods fit into both categories.  Know what is important to you.

6. Know the key growing seasons in your area. Stock up and can or freeze produce when it is in season, abundant and less expensive.  This way, you can truly eat local all year long.

7. Plant your own fruits and veggies. You really can’t get much more local than your own backyard.  It’s easy to grow tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables.

8. Don’t forget about dairy products, grains and other products. You may be able to find local source for foods other than fruits and vegetables, including homemade cheese, milk, farm-raised chicken, eggs, and grains.

9. Change the rest of your diet by cuting back on processed foods. Eliminating processed foods will help create more of a dependence on local products, which benefits your health and the local economy.

10. Learn to can, freeze or preserve your foods. Take advantage of seasonal specials and can, freeze or preserve your foods, so your pantry will always be full.  Summer is the perfect opportunity to stock up on green beans, tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and veggies.  To learn more about preserving food, check with the cooperative extension service in your community.

Tell us about your experiences as a locavore!

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